10 Best Day Secondary Schools in Nairobi
When searching for quality secondary education in Nairobi that fits within a low to middle-class budget, day schools offer the perfect solution. These schools allow students to return home daily, eliminating boarding costs while maintaining academic excellence. If you’re looking for the best day secondary schools in Nairobi that cater to middle and lower-income families, this comprehensive guide highlights institutions where students attend classes during the day and go home every evening.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Day Secondary Schools?
Day secondary schools provide significant advantages for families seeking quality education at affordable rates. They eliminate expensive boarding fees, allow students to maintain daily family connections, and often deliver excellent academic results. For middle-class families in Nairobi, day schools represent the ideal balance between educational quality and cost-effectiveness.
Top 10 Best Day Secondary Schools in Nairobi
1. Moi Girls School Nairobi (Day Wing)
Location: Joseph Kangethe Road, Woodley Estate, Nairobi
School Type: Girls only, Public school (day students accepted)
Ownership: Government-owned
Contact Details:
KCSE Performance:
Moi Girls School Nairobi consistently ranks among the top-performing schools nationally, with excellent KCSE results and high university admission rates. The school was originally founded as a day school in 1964.
Fee Structure:
As a government school, fees are significantly lower than private institutions, making it highly affordable for middle-class families. Day students benefit from reduced costs compared to boarding options.
2. Dagoretti Mixed Secondary School
Location: Dagoretti, near Nairobi Town, Dagoretti North Constituency
School Type: Mixed (Boys and Girls), County public school
Ownership: Government-owned
Contact Details:
- Phone: +254 769 756 909
- Email: akellomao2015@gmail.com, dagomixed@yahoo.com
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 34224-00100, Nairobi
- Principal: Maurice O Okumu
KCSE Performance:
As a county-level day school, Dagoretti Mixed provides solid academic performance with consistent improvement in academics and co-curricular activities.
Fee Structure:
Being a county school, fees are among the most affordable for government schools, making it highly accessible for middle and lower-income families.
3. Ofafa Jericho High School (Day Students)
Location: Ofafa Jericho Entrance, Off Nile Road, Makadara, Nairobi
School Type: Boys only, Extra County public school
Ownership: Government-owned
Contact Details:
- Phone: +254 724 870 038, 0721722880
- Email: ojhschool@gmail.com
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 618-00515 Nairobi
KCSE Performance:
The school consistently features among the top 200 schools countrywide in KCSE examinations, with more than half of its candidates proceeding to university.
Fee Structure:
Day students enjoy significantly reduced costs compared to boarding fees, making quality education accessible to middle-class families.
4. Shauri Moyo Mixed Secondary School
Location: Opposite Burma Market, near City Stadium, Jogoo Road, Kamukunji
School Type: Mixed (Boys and Girls), Day school
Ownership: Private
Contact Details:
- Phone: 020-554971, 0733 269135
- Email: shaurimoyosecondaryschool@gmail.com
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 17205-00510 Nairobi
KCSE Performance:
The school focuses on empowering the community through education and developing students academically, spiritually, and physically.
Fee Structure:
As a private day school serving the Eastlands community, fees are structured to be accessible to middle-income families while maintaining quality education standards.
5. Huruma Girls High School (Day Students)
Location: Off Jogoo Road, Nyasa Road, Maringo Location, Nairobi
School Type: Girls only, Extra County public school
Ownership: Government-owned
Contact Details:
- Phone: 020-558609, +254 741 934 287
- Email: hurumagirls@gmail.com
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 49068, Nairobi 00100
KCSE Performance:
The school consistently posts positive results with higher university admission rates, with most candidates scoring mean grades between A and C+.
Fee Structure:
Day students pay significantly lower fees compared to boarding students, with additional costs only for lunch programs if participating.
6. Buruburu Girls Secondary School (Day Students)
Location: Between Buruburu Estate Phase 3 and Jericho Market, Makadara
School Type: Girls only, Extra County public school
Ownership: Government-owned
Contact Details:
- Phone: 0722 266 308
- Email: buruburugirls.secondary@gmail.com
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 50465-00200, Nairobi
KCSE Performance:
In 2024, the school posted an impressive mean score of 8.6061, consistently ranking among the best-performing extra county schools in Nairobi.
Fee Structure:
Day students enjoy affordable fees as per government fee guidelines for extra county schools, making it accessible for middle-class families.
7. Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School South B (Day Students)
Location: Mukuru Nyayo location, South B, Nairobi
School Type: Girls only, Extra County public school
Ownership: Government-owned
Contact Details:
KCSE Performance:
The school consistently posts positive results with higher university admission rates, with most candidates scoring mean grades between A and C+.
Fee Structure:
Day students pay standard government school fees, which are significantly lower than private school alternatives.
8. Aquinas High School (Day Students)
Location: Makadara Constituency, Ofafa Sub-location, Maringo Location
School Type: Boys only, Extra County public school
Ownership: Government-owned
Contact Details:
- Phone: 0750202915, 020-559046
- Email: aquinaskenya@gmail.com
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 72000-00200, Nairobi
KCSE Performance:
The school maintains good performance in KNEC exams, with most candidates scoring mean grades between A and C+, including 18 students achieving A- in 2024.
Fee Structure:
Day students benefit from significantly reduced costs compared to boarding options, making quality education accessible to middle-income families.
9. Ngara Girls Secondary School (Day Students)
Location: Ngara Road, opposite Post Office, Starehe, Nairobi
School Type: Girls only, Extra County public school
Ownership: Government-owned
Contact Details:
- Phone: +254 721 715 931, 0723300505
- Email: ngaragirlshigh@gmail.com
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 31624-00600, Nairobi
KCSE Performance:
Established in 1957, Ngara Girls consistently posts positive results with higher university admission rates and is among the most sought-after extra county schools in Nairobi.
Fee Structure:
Day students pay government-regulated fees, which are highly affordable for middle and lower-income families.
10. Kariobangi South Secondary School
Location: Kariobangi South, Embakasi Constituency, Nairobi
School Type: Mixed (Boys and Girls), Day school
Ownership: Private
Contact Details:
KCSE Performance:
The school serves the Kariobangi community with a focus on providing accessible quality education to local students.
Fee Structure:
As a private day school serving the local community, fees are structured to be affordable for middle-income families in the area.
Understanding Day School Advantages
Cost Benefits:
- No boarding fees (saves KSh 30,000-50,000 annually)
- No dormitory-related costs
- Reduced uniform requirements
- Lower meal costs
Family Connection:
- Daily interaction with family
- Parental supervision and guidance
- Cultural and family values reinforcement
- Home-cooked meals
Fee Structure Overview
Government Day Schools:
- County Schools: KSh 15,000-25,000 annually
- Extra County Schools: KSh 25,000-35,000 annually (day students)
- Additional costs: lunch programs (optional), uniforms, learning materials
Private Day Schools:
- Range: KSh 40,000-80,000 annually
- Often include more facilities and smaller class sizes
- Additional costs: transport, extra-curricular activities
Admission Requirements
For Government Schools:
- KCPE/KPSEA scores as per Ministry of Education placement
- Completed application through official placement system
- Required documents: admission letter, leaving certificate, birth certificate
For Private Schools:
- School-specific entrance requirements
- Direct application to the school
- Interview and assessment may be required
Transportation Considerations
Most day school families budget an additional KSh 10,000-20,000 annually for:
- Daily transportation costs (matatu/bus fare)
- Fuel costs for private transport
- School bus services (where available)
Key Selection Factors
- Location and Transport: Choose schools with convenient transport links
- Academic Performance: Look for consistent KCSE results above 6.0 mean score
- Facilities: Ensure adequate laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities
- Class Sizes: Smaller classes provide better individual attention
- Co-curricular Programs: Check for clubs, sports, and other development activities
Current Education Trends
The Ministry of Education has been promoting day schooling through policies like “Day Wings in Boarding Schools,” requiring boarding schools to admit at least 10% day students starting January 2026. This trend makes day education increasingly viable and mainstream.
Conclusion
These 10 day secondary schools in Nairobi offer excellent educational value while maintaining affordability for middle-class families. By choosing day schools, families can access quality education without the financial burden of boarding fees, while maintaining crucial family connections and support systems.
Government day schools provide the most cost-effective option, combining competitive academic performance with highly affordable fees. Private day schools offer additional facilities and potentially smaller class sizes at moderate cost increases.
When selecting a day school, prioritize academic performance, location convenience, and your family’s specific educational and financial needs. All listed schools have proven track records of producing university-qualified graduates while serving middle and lower-income families in Nairobi.
Disclaimer : Remember to contact schools directly for current fee structures and admission requirements, as these may vary annually based on government directives and individual school policies.
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